Sound quality generally is the quality of the audio output from various electronic devices. It can be defined as the degree of accuracy with which a device records or emits the original sound waves. For digital recording/digital playback, this accuracy depends on the range of sound which is sampled (Kilohertz, kHz), the number of bits of encoded data that are used to represent each second of audio (Kilobits per second, Kbps), and the various conversions that occur in any sound reproduction system.
The range of sound (in hertz) which the equipment detecting the sound samples affects sound quality. Humans can hear vibrations ranging from about 20 Hz to approximately 20 kHz, so sampling that doesn't extend this far will have a detrimental effect on the resultant quality. In stereo recordings, the maximum range results being 44kHz: 22 kHz for the right channel and 22 kHz for the left one. In mono recordings, using only one channel, it is 22kHz.
A lossy format is able to provide a number of different options for its "bit rate": typically from 8Kbps till 360Kbps. By contrast, uncompressed audio as stored on a compact disc has a bit rate of about 1400 kbit/s.
Music playlist: .mp3 192Kbps > 8Kbps --> .ogg 192Kbps > 56KbpsWith lossy codecs such as MP3 and Ogg Vorbis, sound quality is a quantifiable factor that determines how much sound data the encoder is allowed to discard in order to reduce file size. MP3-encoded sound is generally CBR (constant bit rate), so its quality is defined by its bitrate, in kilobits per second (kbit/s). Quality of OGG Vorbis-encoded files, which are most commonly VBR (variable bit rate), is a decimal value ranging from -1 to 10, with -1 being suitable only for low-quality voice.
The rate at which the sound is sampled refers to the amount of information the detection equipment records about each second of sound. More information about the shape of the sound waves results in a more accurate sample, in other words, this is due to the digital quantization of the analogue sound wave.
The conversions of sample range and sample rate between different pieces of equipment in a sound recording and reproduction system will affect the quality of the sound. More conversions usually results in a lower level of quality.
Sound quality is the physical pleasure or fatigue experienced by a listener. In a playback setting it is affected by the recording techniques and equipment used, from the microphones at the session to the quality of electronics and speakers used to recreate the sound in a listener's home.